Category: Circuit

Controlling Phidget 0/0/4 Relay with Python

I have develop a Python GUI application for controlling the PhidgetInterfaceKit 0/0/4 relay board.This tool provides both manual relay toggling and automated on/off timing control with counters and time tracking. You can find my code here: GitHub Features Control up to 4 relays from a single window. Manual toggle: switch any relay ON/OFF with a…
Solved: RF Probe touching TP problem

One of the challenges in testing with probes is accuracy. The level of accuracy during testing significantly impacts the final test results and plays a crucial role in determining the quality of the product produced. I was tasked with resolving an ongoing issue with a test device, where many PCBAs consistently failed transmission testing, but…
Failure Investigation – Antenna Soldering Problem

In this post, I will share my findings from a successful failure investigation of meter designed to transmit information. I was tasked with investigating the source of the fault and identifying the root cause in order to characterize the type of failure – whether in the PCBA circuit, at the component level, in the antenna,…
Improving Tester & Testing Process

I was tasked with enhancing the testing process for both mechanical components and PCBA units. Previously, the testing procedure lacked consistency and clarity, leading to suboptimal quality assessments. The process was time-consuming and not operator friendly, and there was uncertainty regarding the criteria for defining a unit as either PASS or FAIL. My objective was…
My Test jig for PCBA development

I was tasked with developing a comprehensive testing solution for printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA) that are returned from the field for reuse. The objective was to create a robust and efficient tester capable of thoroughly assessing the functionality and integrity of these cards before they are put back into service. The tester definition and…
Traffic Light Controlled with Arduino Nano

In this project, I created a simple traffic light system using an Arduino Nano and three LEDs (red, yellow, and green) controlled by a button. The system simulates a basic traffic light sequence, with the green light as the default. When the button is pressed, the green light flashes three times before transitioning to yellow…
Controlling an 8-Channel Relay with Arduino Nano

In this guide, I’ll walk you through controlling an 8-channel relay using an Arduino Nano. This setup is great for automating multiple devices or systems, such as home automation, robotics, or industrial applications where switching multiple components is essential. What You’ll Need: Arduino Nano 8-channel relay module Jumper wires Power supply for the relay module…
PCBA Electronic Tester Analysis

In the world of electronics testing, accuracy and reliability are crucial. I recently encountered an issue with our testing setup where an Ingun probe did not make proper contact with a via on the printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). This resulted in inconsistent test results and wasted time. In this post, I’ll share how we…
Low-Dropout Voltage Regulator

A Low-Dropout Regulator (LDO) is a type of voltage regulator that provides a stable output voltage even when the input voltage is only slightly higher than the desired output voltage. The term “low-dropout” refers to the minimal difference, or “dropout voltage,” between the input and output voltages required for the regulator to function properly. Key…
IDC 30-Pin Connector Breakout Board

IDC stands for Insulation-Displacement Connector. An IDC Connector Breakout Board is a small circuit board that allows easy access to the individual pins of an IDC (Insulation-Displacement Connector). The IDC connector on the board is typically attached to a ribbon cable, and the breakout board “breaks out” each wire from the ribbon cable to separate,…
WatchGaurd – FPGA Controlled Robot with IoT Connectivity

The project I built is a remotely controlled security robot equipped with the ability to transmit images, serving as an efficient and innovative tool for security systems. The ability to control the robot remotely allows for quick and efficient action, with security personnel able to establish an immediate response to events in real-time. The robot…
DC-DC Boost Converter

A DC-DC boost converter is a type of power converter that steps up (boosts) a DC voltage to a higher level. It is useful in applications where a higher voltage level is required than what is available from the input source. The boost converter typically consists of an inductor, a switch (usually a transistor), a…
DC-DC Buck Converter

A DC-DC buck regulator is a type of voltage regulator that steps down a higher voltage to a lower voltage. The buck regulator operates by controlling the duty cycle of a switching transistor to regulate the output voltage. It is called a “buck” regulator because the output voltage is lower than the input voltage, and…
Voltage Regulator LM7805

The LM7805 is a popular voltage regulator integrated circuit that provides a stable 5 volts output voltage from an input voltage source that can be higher than 5 volts. It is part of the 78xx series of voltage regulators produced by various manufacturers. Schematic The manufacturer advises incorporating capacitors both on the input and output…
ATtiny85 Digispark USB

The ATtiny85 Digispark USB is a small, programmable microcontroller board based on the ATtiny85 chip. It’s notable for its compact size and USB connectivity, making it suitable for various embedded projects where space and simplicity are key. Schematic PCB Layout 3D Model What are the special considerations in planning a ATtiny85 Digispark USB circuit? Power…